Jackson family under fire for Paris speech

Posted by Jane Murphy

 

Child psychologists have reportedly “blasted” Michael Jackson’s family for allowing the star’s 11-year-old daughter Paris to speak at yesterday’s memorial service.

As you’ve no doubt already seen if you’ve switched on the TV or picked up a newspaper in the past 12 hours or so, Paris broke down in tears on stage while paying tribute to her dad.

Child psychologist Linda Blair (no, not the Exorcist one) told the press: “To be thrust into the limelight as Paris was is potentially very traumatic. This is a girl who has been shielded from the media her whole life.

“When a child is in shock, as Paris still will be from her father’s death, the most important thing is to keep everything as normal as possible. But the opposite has happened here.

“The world has rarely seen Paris’s face and has never heard her talk. But here she was making a speech to billions of people across the world. She is completely unused to speaking on stage. But here she was speaking on the biggest stage possible.

“In times like this, logic goes out the window - so you can’t blame the family for letting her do it. But they certainly made a bad judgement.”

Hmmm… I’m not sure how I feel about this. The whole experience was obviously very traumatic for Paris - but maybe her moment in the spotlight will eventually help her come to terms with her dad’s death and the surrounding media circus.

What do you think?

Picture: PA

SEE ALSO:
In pics: Michael Jackson memorial service >>
News report: Jacko’s daughter in emotional tribute >>
Remembering Michael: leave your own tribute here >>
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Comments

[Lisa]

in my opinion it was a child speaking at their parents funeral. In this case just because he dad was famous does not mean she looses the right to say goodbye it looked as though she wanted to speak and was not forced into it. What would you have rather had what happened yesterday or a little girl wondering why she was told she could not speak at her own father's funeral. I'm not a MJ fan but I feel the family should be allowed to greive and if his children want to speak they should be given the chance.

[Rene]

Anyone who watched the memorial could see Paris's reaction was spontaneous and Marlon was passing the microphone to Janet when the little girl asked for it.Paris did her dad proud and in no way did she appear to have been coaxed into doing this. Another case of the press making mountains.....

[angela]

We have to remember that this little girl loved her dad, it is as simple as that for her. I think it is a shame, the world did not see this side to MJ, whilst he was alive.

[dave]

all of this could only happen america, the misuse of drugs with mj, the court cases in the past suing him over alleged touching boys, the court case over his will now the media frenzy over his kids. why cant they just let them get on with their lives.

[Jane]

Anyone who watched the memorial will see that the Jackson brothers thought that it was Janet that was going to speak.You can see Paris whispering as Marlon spoke. Paris was determined to speak for herself, she certainly wasn't pushed into doing so by any of the family. Paris just wanted to tell everyone that she loved her daddy so much, she got her point across, even though she was very distressed. Well done Paris, and shame on anyone who thinks otherwise. The Jackson family did Michael proud, the memorial was great, with so little time to organize everything. I got 'goosebumps', especially when Shaheen sang. Michael would have loved it! R.I.P.

[Suzi]

A young friend of mine died a few years ago (aged 20), his sister, who was about the same age as Paris, also chose to speak at his funeral service. She did it as a tribute to the brother she loved, and it was her way of saying goodbye. Surely therefore there is nothing wrong in Paris doing the same for her father.

[at home]

This is a young girl who has been shielded from the public spotlight her entire life, her father was understandably very protective of his children.

I do accept that she may well have wanted to say goodbye to her father but I am sure this could have been done in a private service which I am sure the family will have. It wasn't necessary for her to have to stand up in front of the world and the family that portends to care so much for them should have dealt with this much more so.

Yes the media have exploited the situation and it's sold them millions of newspapers, but that's what the media does. I think it a shame that the family allowed the exploitation of this young girl, that is not what families should do.

Media are just doing their job, the family were not.

[steven beerling]

I think now michael has passed away(R.I.P) the media and all the back stabbers feel the need to pick on ANOTHER member of the family.JUST LEAVE THEM ALONE.
My love goes out to all his family,friends and fans.i will miss michael so much.

[marie]

Maybe, just maybe, this little girl wanted to stand up and say something about the man who was her father. She must have some idea of the ridicule he put up with, the slander, lies, need I go on? If she wanted to say one thing to make people stop for one moment, on an awful day for her, then good for her. But hey ho, can't do right for doing wrong again. The children can still be guarded and cared for,and it's up to the rest of the world to LEAVE THEM ALONE and let their father RIP, peace he wasn't given in life!

[gordon brown is a twat]

NOW STAND BY FOR ALL THE BACKSTABBING AND BITCHING RIP JM

[abs]

of the many posts i have read there seems to be a common thread here. That people are attacking MJ and/ or his family. That is not the case nor the discussion. No one on here knows if Paris was persuaded to speak or not but I find it very unlikely that she would offer given the whole circumstances. You people getting on the defensive are not looking at the bigger picture. None of this is an insult to MJ so no need to defend him. It is ALL about caring for and protecting children, something MJ is said to of wanted. If he really did care I doubt he would of wanted to put her in that position.

[Jan]

For all you Michael abusers out there, the evidence of his innocence is there for all to see, if you can be bothered to dig it out from all the media crap. How many of you who are so quick to judge him actually watched the "rebuttal" video following Bashir's hateful & malicious programme. How many of you followed the details of the trial. Do you really believe it reasonable or normal or moral to accept Money from a man you allege has abused your son. Even worse, then take the Lions share of the money, only to turn your back again on the son whom you were estranged from until you found out that Michael Jackson was supporting him. I have found that people who are so quick to damn Michael, know precious little about him or the facts surrounding these allegations at all except for all the media garbage. Why is it easier to believe that Michael had evil intent with children, than the truth? Michaels love of children was pure and he was driven by a desire to make the world a better place for them. Which is why he has probably raised more money for childrens causes through the 39 charities he supported than anyone else on the planet. Paris Jackson clearly chose to speak about her Father, and I really believe it was out of a desire to tell the world what a wonderful Father he was to set the record straight. Everyone who really knew him, and not the media vultures, who fed off him (parasites in black and white as Michael called them) have said he was a wonderful Father and that his Kids adored him. Clearly she felt the need to get that message over. Please, please then people, respect this poor family who have had so much hurt inflicted on them by the media and the ignorant who really need to take a good hard look at themselves. Let him please now rest in peace and leave this poor family alone.

[siobhan]

This poor girl had evey right to say what she wanted to her father, I feel that the family should be left alone to grieve but with such an idol this will be impossible. My heart is with the whole family.
Michael Jackson was an inspiration to a nation of people R.I.P XX

[lorraine]

FOR THOSE REFERING TO THE WONDERFULL MJ AS A PERVERT, IF YOUR CHILD WAS MOLESTED, WOULD YOU SETTLE OUT OF COURT, I THINK NOT, "SAYS IT ALL DOES'NT IT"

[dee dee]

there are more important issues that can be debated, dont you think so.

[susha]

Why as a society do we feel we have the right to judge. Maybe it was staged , but deep, down you lose someone you greive, we all show it differently,we all need a way to make it final. Leave the child alone this was how she chose to deal with it. As for those who still condemm mj, mud sticks, as a parent after one allegation i know i would not let my child stay with someone who may have a passion for young children. So who is the villian mj or the parents of the alleged victims. Please dont let the media use these children as a means of making money.Let those poor kids live their lives as children should. They are their own special people just like any other child, dont rob them of the childhood that is now available to them.

[j bagshaw]

I wish maybe somewhere somehow people could find it in thier hearts to just say a silent prayer for the family his mum his siblings his children most of all , we turn off the lights and go to sleep each night . I bet they dont . It really doesnt matter what we think , my heart goes out to the whole family at this time,god bless the children and god willing they might with the right care and love grow up to shine has thier daddy did, my thoughts are with you all .

[Pearl]

What an incredibly brave little girl. She had every right to pay tribute to Mr. Jackson - whether she is biologically related to him or not, she is still his little girl and he is still her dad.

It just puts the story about Hollie Steel being 'the bravest girl in the world' into perspective; Paris Jackson truly displays the strength that her father had during periods of media upset.

Child psychologists generalise to widely cases such as these; many children would have found it traumatising but young Miss Jackson showed courage beyond her years.

Whatever the case may be, her father will be extremely proud of her.

[ken parker]

Paris is white MJ is black???????? That says it all

[Lin]

I'm sure that Paris wanted to speak and the family respected her wishes. Children generally only do things if they want to and if she hadn't wanted to do it she would have let it be known. So three words to the media "Let it be".

[J ROBSON]

what she said came from her heart and she wanted to say it like anyone who has lost someone dear to them.so those who thought it was wrong should just keep mum.his memory will live on as will his music and dancing and all the money he gave to charity.

[claudia]

Surely what par is and her family do with their grief is their business till it hurts someone ???? Just another oppotunity for the media to vilify MJ - well at the end of the day I believe if it werent for them and some vile family he'd still be alive (bit like Princess diana come to think of it).
No lessons will be learned form this as i see there are still idiots out there who beleive the sh it they get feed by headlines and these scum reporters never seem to get done for the lies they write .
Scummy media is defo up there on the worlds axis of evil.
I aint no expert but I've got kids and I work with them too - and I beleive what Paris did was healthy and I hope she's proud for being so brave - I'm sure MJ looking down will be. I'm sure every little girl would want the world to know that their dad was the best - esp if he'd been vilfied unjustly all his life.
To all those than cry child molester - read beyond the headlines as there was never any proof or evidence and he he really was then that family would of taken it further - would you if you kid was abused and the abuser got let off ?????

[Lora'r Lindys]

oooh pyy-lease! Paris Jackson had a right to express her feelings in front of the world. She can't escape the media forever now that her Dad's protection is gone, she never will - for God's sake she is the child of Michael Jackson! She isn't that young, so she can make her own mind up, and if she wanted to pay tribute to her Dad in front of a HUGEEE crowd, then so be it.
These so-called 'child experts'. Huh. They don't know Paris do they? That might be a process of grieving for her - how would they know?!
Shut up 'child experts', crawl back to your shells and help people who need help and support; Paris Jackson and her brothers have that from the whole of the Jackson family.

[Sandy]

shut up keith and the rest of you lot who are just jealous

[kimberley]

well done paris for getting up there and telling the world how great her dad was. michael jackson had a amazing talent people dont like his music just because all the lies they said about him. i'm his number one fan and think his music was amazing and his dance move i love all his song and i listern to his music every night annd wishes him all the best in his new life R.I.P KING OF POP :D :)

[Evee]

Who the hell do these so called child experts think they are? The media can stop hounding MJ now and leave his family alone!
Whatever he was to the rest of the world.... he was the Childrens father above anything else. His daughter has the right to speak out at her Daddy's funeral to let the world know just how much she loved him. Let him RIP you vicious load of so called do-gooders! The whole world mourns the loss of a very gentle and such talented man.

[keith t]

typical jacksons playing for sympathy

[keith t]

typical jackson family playing up to tv for more sympathy GET REAL

[lisa]

i would just like to point out that he was never found guilty of any of the charges!!the family he paid off shouldnt be allowed children,coz if someone did to my children what he apparently did to there children all the money in the world wouldnt stop me from pressing charges,but they took the money wat does that say about them as parents!!i wish people would just leave the poor family alone,imagine how it must feel to hav lost someone close to you and to hav so many people bad mouthing that person,i think those that didnt like him could show a little decency and just keep there opinions to themselves!!

[julie]

I cant see what all the fuss is about,at the end of the day paris wasnt forced to speak,and it should be her descision,she only wanted express her feelings and why not after all he was her dad.RIP MJ.X

[Alex]

i'm not sure if it was entirely her idea to speak. She might have been asked it might be the norm for them. But I do think the Jacksons showed that they really care for the children they were all moved by her words and tears. They do love her and Paris is going to be ok with them.This is going to be something she will always remember that she did for her dad. It's not too bad.Children are resilient. What surprised me more was that the boy was chewing gum or something, not respectful or good manners in the circumstances.They need to teach him there.

[Maire]

Leave those kids alone. The darn media will attack anyone. They just lost their dad! If she wanted to talk I am sure her dad would have let her even if he has protected them from the media for so long. The entire family is in shock over Michael and they have a long road in front of them to help these kids out.

[ewen]

His life was a farce so was his death, will he be missed, NO, some good songs dont maketh the man. his questionable attitude with children should be what he is remembered for, exploit his kids how could you possibly think otherwise

[Dave Bibby]

She Obviously wanted to say something. Its done now and as most people who have lost someone dear, know it is very hard to say anything without getting emotional. At whatever age!
The press are now using this clip and using that poor girls emotions to their advantage!
I didnt like Mr Jackson, a grown man should never have shared a bed with those young children and whatever else may have/not happened its discusting, the press seem to have forgotten all this! he was a sad sick man, and does not deserve all this publicity. I am waiting for Gary Glitter to pop his cloggs now see what happens after he's gone!

[Kim]

The world was privileged to share in what is usually a very private family experience - who does Linda Blair think she is to criticise anything that happened that day?! Paris very obviously wanted and needed to speak to the world to let them know about her wonderful father. Of course emotion overtook her but I'm sure she had a whole load she had planned to say. The media should be ashamed of themselves if they are now about to hound these children. Paris, Prince and Blanket have a loving family and should be left to grieve in peace with the people who know them best - grandparents, uncles and aunts. We, the fans, are crushed and hurting - imagine how much more for the family and especially Michael's children. They knew and loved him like no-one else ever could. Let's pray that the media leave them alone.

[Shelley]

Stuff and nonsense, Paris wanted to speak so I see no harm in letting her do so. To those of you, like 'Blade' who want to avoid the 'MJ crap' have some respect for the millions of us who are mourning his death. Rest assured there certainly won't be many mourning yours when it happens, after all, what is your contribution to your society, how many lives have you touched and enriched by your very existence? Not so many I wager. So shut the **** up, people like you don't deserve a platform. RIP MJ

[Andrea]

When you place a microphone in front of a child, they will only speak if they really want to, and Paris obviously wanted to. They will protect her from the world i'm sure, but they will have to be honest with her also on the way the world speaks of their daddy. Maybe Paris and her brothers are hurt by what they hear and wanted to tell the world what a wonderful daddy he was. Maybe now all the silly talk of them not being MJ's children will stop now too, as they so obviously are as you can't mistakke those eyes! What a lovely family. The children so naturally held their Aunties and Uncles and you can't make children put on an act like that. I'm glad the children are wth the Jacksons and hope they remain there. O and i have not bought one paper since Michael died as i begrudge them the cash, but i did today(day after the farewell), and it was still full of sarcastic commennts, so back to not buying any now.

[zy]

everyone deals with death different and Paris may have wanted to do it for her dad, prince may have not,i think she was very brave and proud of her dad it may have been more damaging if she wasnt aloud to speak know one will ever no.its such a personal thing and we are all different.

[Colin Heffernan]

Paris has always been in the spotlight, just because she spoke out loud doesn't suddenly mean it's official, if anything it was a cry out to be left alone, to end the controversy that surrounded Michael and not to carry it onto the next generation...this is critics and media doing what they do best! This was a memorial service, an opportunity to remember all the good and positive that this person had to offer...why don't we just respect that rather than criticise it!?

[Kim]

Leave Paris alone. Marlon said Janet do u wanna say anything nd Paris obv wanted 2 tell the world what Michael was like as a dad. She wanted 2 do it so obv the family were gonna let her if she wanted 2. Paris has already said she wanted to b like her dad when she grows up. It's her way of grieving. It was very emotional wot she said about her dad nd like i do her dad I respect her.

[Jen]

It was Paris' choice and her chance to speak out to the world & tell everyone about the man Micheal Jackson really was, instead of the man some people thought he was because of the media jumping to conclusions!!! At funerals many family memebers and friends want to pay respects with a speech (as we all witnessed) and Paris is old enough and mature enough to do so! I believe she was very brave to do that and I beleieve that Micheal is very very proud of her! So basically all these child psychologists need to back off and especially the media! Yes, the children have been protected from the media all their lives and have seen what their father went through due to the media making ridiculous statements of what he got up to in his private life, but yesterday it was Paris' choice and with that she told the whole world what her father was really like and that she loves him!!! That's all you can ask from a child who has lost a father! Well Done Paris!!! :D xxx R.I.P Micheal Jackson xxx

[me]

Who cares? All of this public outpouring of grief over a wierdo pathetic.

[steve]

Wots this, now that michael has left us (to early), lets pick on his kids. A lot of people in this world should hang there heads in shame.

[gareth]

what a media circus, people leaping at the opportunity to get a visual chance to appear on this extravaganzer, after all Tom Jones is the king of pop.

[Holly]

I think there is nothing to say about paris, she is obviousely very upset about her dad dieing,(as we would expect) as she new him more than anyone else...
She just wanted to say her good bye's, if she didn't want to do it then they wouldn't have lowered the microphone for her!
paris is entitel to say what,it was still nice to here her say something about her dad and tell everyone how much she loves him.
MJ is a true ledgend and will never be missed.
I am big fan and love his music.
i think some people are bein selfish as the jackson family have got alot on the mind at the moment and dont need other people butting in
.....+.....
.+++++.
.....+.....
.....+.....
R.I.P MichaelJosephJackson

[Chez]

People are getting this all twisted. At black religious funerals children are encouraged to say there piece & death is not seen as final.
People need to stop trying to shield children from what is a fact of life which is death! I often seen children at funerals who can handle it far more better than the adults.
It broke my heart, but also showed how much those kids loved their dad.
And for all those who keep on pointing out that they are not biological his, should really keep their spiteful mouth shut. What about people who adopt? Would you say that because they dont share the same dna, their not the childs parent?

[Peter Hill]

Micheal Jackson made his family famous in the early years of his life. Made them famous again with his death.Please don't get famous on the back of his children.

[DEB]

AS FAR AS I KNEW MJ WAS AQUITTED IN 2005 AND HIS INSURANCE COMPANY PAID OUT JORDAN CHANDLER IN 93 AGAINST HIS WISHES SO WHATS WITH THE SARKY COMMENTS..LEAVE THEM TO THEIR GRIEF AND MAYBE LOOK AT THE MAN IN THE MIRROR

[Melanie]

Paris as far as i could see was not forced into speaking she wanted to do it,why shouldnt she say goodbye to her father.

[relieved]

Ah well the only good child molester is a Dead one !!!!

[sick of the analysing]

She wanted to do it!! Everyone should just get over the fact that she did because people moaning about stuff that's already happened is pointless and unnecessary. That child psychologist is being paid to mess around with te minds of others and if Paris reads this she could be affected in a bad way anyway.

[GB]

Dear me, what excitement!

From what I read of the psychologist’s statement she didn’t criticise the child in anyway, she didn't criticise Michael Jackson, she also didn’t say the child shouldn’t have had an opportunity to pay tribute to the person she has known as her Dad, what she commented upon was the way in which it was done. Saying something nice in the privacy of the private service would of course have been what lots of young people the world have done at the funeral of a parent, relative or friend, she didn’t say that shouldn’t happen or that it was not normal to do so; but it is not usual or the norm to do so to an audience of 20,000 plus the millions world wide, it’s that which makes it not usual and once done can’t be undone.

I do think that the Jackson Family do have to take responsibility and be accountable, although if the press is to be believed he didn’t appoint his family as Guardians, he appointed Diana Ross so no doubt this will be a media driven circus for a very long time, just as the court case was, and it will be because it sells newspapers and magazine and air space and a lot of people will benefit financially-it’s not rocket science.

[michelle]

How sad!
Paris has probably had enough of the sick comments about her father, to want to speak out to the world the media should be ashamed of themselves! Lets face it they have already sent one of the Jacksons to there death bed!
R.I.P Michael lets hope and pray there is a nicer place for all of us...x x x x x

[rara]

If that was me I would have wanted to speak at my own fathers funeral and would be gutted if i didnt, even at Paris' age. Of course she will be scarred for the rest of her life, not for saying a couple of heartfelt words at the memorial event, but because her father is dead! come on now 'linda blair' you over analysing whitecoat do something useful instead!

[skooly]

After being covered up in masks for all her life, the first time she speaks in public she does it in front of a billion people.....no wonder she looked scared.

[Me]

Leave them alone! She was the one who wanted to speak about her dad and should be allowed without stupid people like psychologists saying things about the family and her. Yes she broke down into tears when she spoke, but can you blame her? Shes just lost her dad! It wasnt a bad thing for her to do or for her family to let her do, you should respect her for how brave she was doing that, I know I wouldnt have been able to. She is a very brave girl and wanted to pay tribute to her dad, so leave her and her family alone instead of making up ridiculus stories and comments about them! They are going through a rough time as it is without you getting at them too!

[Jane]

Let them be. Paris should be admired for wanting to speak about her Daddy,he's been slated often enough and she wanted to let us know her feelings were no different to ours on losing a loving daddy.The media should leave well alone. Let the family grieve in peace as we would like to. R.I.P. Michael, God bless you and your family.

[slimblonde-2]

I think Linda Blair can't have watched the memorial service herself, and is basing her opinion on the media's frenzied reporting. Out of context, it may seem that Paris' speech was a publicity stunt, but anyone who watched the memorial all through will know she chose to make the speech. I think it was Marlon who said that 'Janet wants to say something', and then Paris came forward. It didn't look planned and the child did not look under undue duress. I think Michael would be proud of his daughter for speaking,and for me it was a real and touching moment.

[Sam]

Paris Chose To Speak So How Dare Anyody Judge This. I Completely Disagree With The Child Pyschologist She Should Stop Interfering And Causing Trouble

[Tash]

This is the 'norm' at Black people's funerals - children and adults pay their tributes and respects to their father, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather! Thats just how its done. Get a life!!

[Mark]

I bet Michael himself was very proud of everyone, and especially brave little Paris while he was watching down on the whole thing. We should give no news time to creatures like Linda Blair whose dry academic opinions can easily do far more harm than good.

[Pat]

WOW! thought it wouldn!t be long before the CRAP MEDIA{excuse the word crap,something i don`t use}came out of the wood work with their interfering COMMENTS..i often wonder what kick they get out of criticizing people when they are going through tramatic times..they want to think before they speak and put theirselves in other peoples places and see how they would feel?...we all have different views on certain aspects in life but WHO are we to criticize???
RIP MICHAEL.. you have a BEAUTIFUL sensitive Daughter who LOVES YOU very much and will MISS you so along with you sons....

[Jasleen M]

Why can't the freaking Media lay off this family for once in their life? She was the one who chose to speak, they never freaking shoved her in front of the microphone and forced her! She has every single freaking right to address most of her father's devoted fans and I find it touching that this girl had the courage to express her deep feelings for her much loved father and I hope every young girl learns something from this!

I SALUTE YOU MISS PARIS JACKSON!

[Skooly]

It's all just part of the Hollywood circus. Surely you would not expect the memorial service of Jackson to be anything other than strange.

[laura]

just leave the jackson family alone, we all go through this even as children and paris was just expressing the way she felt ablot her dad. i thought she did a really brave thing and im sure she is not the only child that has done it.

[VL]

This bereaved young girl just wanted to say how much she loved and missed her dad. It doesn't matter whether a few hundred or several million were watching. She would've been far more traumatised in later years if she hadn't had the chance to say goodbye properly.

It's a shame Michael Jackson can't even be laid to rest in peace without unwanted advice from 'experts' on how his family choose to mourn him. If they're real professionals they should leave the family alone at this distressing time and get a life of their own instead of interfering in everyone else's.

[JohnJo]

Poor child! The MJ she called Dad wasn't, nor was he the father of the other two unfortunate bairns, as DNA has shown! At least they won't now have to have their faces covered in bizarre veils when they go out.

[diane smith]

She did what she wanted to do for her daddy, these so called experts want to get a life!!!

[exasperated RGN]

what is wrong with these so called experts? Death is a part of life. For goodness sake, Paris wanted to speak at her father's memorial not to have let her do this, in my opinion would have done more harm than good for the future. Whether it is in private or in public she is going to miss her wonderful Dad so much, God bless her.

[Sleeps]

Why can't a child show her grief to the world if that's what she wants to do? If she were forced to do it then that's when I wouldn't agree with it but if she asked to do it then let it be. Too many experts generalise their judgements. Each to their own. My eldest niece was refused attendance at her grandad's funeral and she's used it against the family as she's grown up. Let the children see life and death for what it is - LIFE.

[BilgeRat]

Experts!! - get a life you pack of leeches.

[chris]

FOR GOODNESS SAKE !!!!!!!!!!! WHEN IS THE MEDIA AND SO CALLED EXPERTS GOING TO STOP THEY HOUNDED HIM ALL HIS LIFE HIS FATHER SEEMINGLY A TYRANT .YES HE LED A STRANGE LIFE SOMETIMES BUT WHO ARE ANY OF US TO CRITISIZE IT CLEARLY SHOWS SHE WANTED TO TALK AND I SALUTE HER FOR IT SHE WILL BE SO GLAD SHE DID IT AND PROUD. FOR ONCE IN THE MEDIA LIFE LAY OFF THESE PEOPLE IF NONE OF THE FAMILY HAD BEEN AT THE MEMORIAL THEY WOULD HAVE SLATED THAT AND THE HEADLINE WOULD HAVE BEEN "WHERE ARE THE JACKSONS " ETC SO LET MJ REST IN PEACE AND DO THE DECENT THING AND LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE FOR ONCE .... LINDA WHOEVER U WILL BE FORGOTTON TOMORROW MJ WONT .

[sally]

i think she did really well when paris started to cry i felt like crying but well done if u read this i was a big fan of micheal jackson i loved him i have his albums until now but when i heard i felt deversted but everyone goes at some time?!?

[Joanne]

I think the media people should keep their noses out. Michael Jackson and his family have been picked on far too much about some things that arn't even true! Bless his daughter of corse she will be traumatized her father just died and people saying things like that won't make it any better. Of corse she is going to be upset.

[joseph p]

is this really newsworthy??

[young man]

really?? who cares.. zzzzz next !!

[Ray]

It's simple enough - for 'Experts' read 'Idiots'.

[bubbles]

cringe worthy.. why put the poor girl through that, gave the impression the 'family' were behind her literally, stroking her and collectively pawing her all very odd.. glad the whole affair is todays chip wrappings

[Andy]

WHat total rubbish, many years as a funeral director and this is perfectectly normal children tend to hold up better than many adults, these child mind messers need to stop forcing their opinions, have the recent years of allegations against the kiddies dad not done them far more damage and some of the posts on the many forums calling MJ all manner of things, too many people with unfounded words, leave the family alone to grieve in peace. God Bless All the Jackson family at this very sad time.

[gemz]

I think it is for the best that a child grieves and paris clearly requested to have her say bout her daddy. I know if my parents died i'd want to tell the world how wonderful they are not just for myself but out of respect. linda blair is totally out of order to judge this young girl and the Jacksons, any "normal" family would have done the same in fact i was quite outraged by the article!! I found Paris' speech really touching and was the best of the night as far as I was concerned.

[matrix]

I think she chose to speak at the funeral. She was saying goodbye to her father and that is part of the healing process. What is wrong in her doing that?

[izzy]

BORED NOW!!!!!!

[A Walton]

Looks like you so called "Experts" are yet wrong again..interfering into other peoples affairs and lives...no wonder you deleted my straightforward comment before...all of you...GET A PROPER JOB...

[GB]

Well for what it's worth...Yes it's absolutely true he was her father as well as a music celebrity (and might have been a whole lot more mentally stable and a more content person if he hadn't been brutalised by his own family as a child. but that's another issue)

But I think Graeme had a very good point actually sometimes children need to be protected from themselves, by adults who should be expected to exercise that responsibility-cos that's what makes the difference between children & adults.In many respects this blurring of child/adult roles and responsibilities isn't such a great surprise when things are dysfunctional-with parents being child like and children taking responsibility beyond their years. Would they be so reckless with her physical safety? if she said "I want to drive the car down the highway" would they say.."well, it might be difficult for you but if you want to dear"

I didn't see it in the depth that some have mentioned but if it's the case that it seemed a "last minute" decision to do it (on the basis that it must have been talked about to some degree as even a possibility) then in my opinion the family still needed to exercise that parental responsibility and protect her by saying no...As I understand it there was a a private service and it seems to me that would have been far more fitting place for her to say what she wanted to say about her Dad and after all to the people who actually knew him and her.

Re Viv's comments that Paris and her family should pay no attention to the comments; I think it's highly unlikely that they know or care what's being side this side of the pond! Why would or should they?

The Jacksons are not naive, they're no strangers to publicity or the effects that media and attention have on people so you do have to question their judgement on this one.If they had just had a simple family/close friends service and exercised some restraint and said no to all the hype that would have been worth congratulating them for. If they had said no, none of it's happening the media would have packed up and gone home.

Yep he was someone who sang, danced, sold a lot of records and earned a lot of money as a result, however poor people in poor places die everyday and most people don't give a toss

[Gary]

As a funeral Director I see families from all backgrounds, Faiths and Beliefs, and can asure you that what little Paris did at the memorial service for her Dad was done the world over in chapels and churches. Also in certain cultures it is encouraged that children play a role in the loss of a family member, i.e Going to view the deceased at the chapel of rest. As you all would of seen this was a celebration of Michael's life which is a customary send off in the Afro Carribean community and this family are and will know doubt be taking care of the children.

[TBD]

I suspect that it was the tasteless gold coffin that she was crying about !

[Mike]

The so-called pychlogical 'experts' are yet again touting their wares, getting richer by the hour regardless of the lives they screw up! What human beings are is a product of what we are not only organically, but what we are spiritually. Hence mental-emotional-behavioural problems (or however we label it) cannot and does not originate in the mind. These problems must either originate in the body or the spirit. It can be the by-product of a chemical imbalance eg hyperthyroidism, reaction to a drug - all kinds of things. Or it can be something caused by the fact that a person is wrong spiritually. Therefore ‘mental-emotional-behavioural problems’ will either originate in the spirit or in the body – it’s not all in the mind.

When for instance a behavioural abnormality is organically rooted (eg chemical imbalance, trauma related, side effects of medication, neurological, hormonal etc) psychiatric medicine can help a person to some degree because it sees mental, emotional and behavioural problems and illness from a bio-medical perspective, physiologically as a disease, and if there is an organic source to someone's condition, treating the chemical basis of the problem physiologically can result in alleviation of destructive behavioural symptoms.

Psychiatric medicine has a scientific basis. Psychology and psychological counselling however is a fraud. It is neither science in any quantitative sense. It is a 'religion' of man. We can speak of Bio-Psychology, Neuro-Psychology or Psychiatric Medicine because these things realise the relationship between metabolism and behaviour. ‘Psychotherapists’ generally know very little about Bio-Chemistry and Physiology and the relationship between metabolism and behaviour. However, they want to study human behaviour without having any clinical or quantitative background; they think they can be ‘Clinicians’ without really knowing what they’re talking about. Psychotherapy is a fraud; it’s a scientific fraud! Such people behave like two-dimensional unreasoning animals and not as the tripartite beings that we have been created.

[Hams]

Her face was bone dry with no tears... I hink it was a deliberate attempt and making their life's appear normal.

The comment about keeping their lifes normal is a joke, they dont have normal lifes and they have never been to school. She is old enough to know what she is doing

[Ella]

I am a massive jackson fan, i have grown up loving his music and trying to immitate him through dance. However, i have never had any interest in his private life or any 'media frenzied' carry on which we are once again seeing today! I am not a fan of the entire jackson family, and although i do believe Paris was extreemly brave for paying tribute in front of millions of people last night, i do not believe it was all her own idea! The jackson family seemed to mob her in such a way she was not able to speak freely - as such. Therefore putting pressure on the child. We have seen what happened to Michael and what pressure from his father did to him, surely we wouldnt want to see the same happen to his children?

[babsb77]

It's a shame that MJ's eldest son didn't get a chance to say anything. I'm sure he would have wanted to, even though he would probably have been emotional too. Paris did great, she held herself together until the last second then she crumpled. It's only to be expected; they are so young, and to have this media spectacular thrust upon them must be so overwhelming, considering none of the children have ever been outspoken before, or, indeed, their faces have been shown (until recently).

[Helen]

Paris chose to speak - nobody forced her to - it was something she wanted to do. Fair play to her, she's one very brave little girl.RIP Michael

[James Caan]

Exactly, stupid pshycholgist being stupit yet again...get a real job...!

[Joy]

I am sure the child had a choice in the matter, as usual the media jumping on the lets slate MJ bandwagon, all of them need to get a life it is sooo annoying! Wonderful but sad memorial. Michael Jackson will live on in our hearts forever.

[Lyn]

I am no psychologist but I am a bereavement counsellor and am sure that what Paris did yesterday will help her in years to come and will help with her grief. It was a wonderful portrayal of Michaels life and memories for everybody. I grew up with his music and at the moment feel as 'lost' as all the other people who admired him and his work. Just remember he was found innocent and I believe that.

[shazza]

I think this psychologist is a psychopath. People should be allowed to grieve otherwise they will have too much bottled up in them. At the end of the day your opinion is of no significance. Get a LIFE Linda or whatever your name is.

[jayne]

everybody has the right to mourn however they feel.What is good for one person may not be good for another.An experts opinion is their opinion,doesnt make them correct !
Leave the little girl alone,she has just lost her Dad.

[jadellas]

we thought that it was a great send off to such a great star, i am the same age as MJ was & i have watched him go through many changes his music & him will go on forever, i think that paris MJs or not was proud of her dad & LOVED HIM VERY MUCH its the first time we have heard her speak but hope its not the last.

[Craig]

No suprise really is there, i mean its not even 24hours after the memorial service and these so called experts and media are already looking for dirt on the jackson's. All i have to say is get a hobby and stop sticking your noses into other peoples business. WELL DONE to Paris for the brave effort and i thought that the merorial service was really well planned and organised considering that it was only planned in under a

Oh one thing left to say LINDA BLAIR GET A REAL JOB

[Mick]

I watched some of the T.V. broadcast and ended up turning it off. I felt that it was one huge soapbox for black rights. The straw that broke the camels back for me was when the Pastor or what ever he was got up and began to shout about his beliefs and that Michael Jackson never showed any form of prejudice. I think the Michael Jackson was one of the best and most talented music professionals that ever lived in my time however he did have his odd ways. It was a real shame to see hangers on using this celebration of his life as a tool for their own msg. RIP

[Jan]

For Pity's sake, when are the media going to stop feeding off this family. It clearly was Paris' choice to speak up, and who could blame her. I suspect, after all the rubbish written about her Father, which incidentally is infinitely more harmful to her and her siblings, she just wanted the world to know that he was a wonderful Father. God bless you Michael and your family. Please God that they all finally have some space to mourn. I dont honestly know how Journalists sleep at night, but please show some repect at this time. If Michael had been given some repect from the Media and the so-called "friends" selling their stories he would probably be still alive.

RIP the greatest entertainer and one of the kindest human beings the world has ever seen. It was a very moving and beautiful tribute by people who clearly knew and loved him for what he was - a misunderstood musical genius with a heart of pure gold. He will be so so missed.